Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mrs OT - September 8 - 8:14 am

  I have leased the Freestyle for 2 years and have really enjoyed it and had few problems - even though we leased it in its first year of production. Im considering getting a second one. My husband, who likes Cadillac comfort, even likes the ride - and he hates SUVs. He thinks it is a solid/safe ride. Our elderly parents who are not in the best of health have been transported easily and comfortably. The height of the seat is just right for easy entrance and exit for them. No hopping up into the seat. And transporting walkers and wheelchairs was no problem. I recommend the Freestyle to anyone who asks about it.

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  Something Special! - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dave - September 7 - 8:44 pm

  I was going to buy a Z4 but saw a Bird at the Auto show. Once I drove one it was no comparison. The ride is exceptional and the styling is top of the line. Many, many comments from people who see the car. Outstanding cruiser!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Meg - September 7 - 4:40 am

  Joy to drive. All around best Ive ever owned.

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  My 6th Ford Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ford Family AR - September 7 - 4:03 am

  Hey Folks! In our family our 4 door 2005 F150 is called Big Daddy. It has quickly become our daily driver due to its comfort, power, and ease to drive. We almost fight over the keys to see who gets to drive it. It has the 5.4L engine which gets OK MPG, has plenty of room for five adults or two cowboys and lots of gear. We pull horse trailers and it never even shifts down pulling hills. We love our Ford F150 and when this one gets 250,000 miles we will replace it with another Ford F-150!

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  Great bang for your buck - 1999 Ford Escort
  By dunnr - September 6 - 8:16 pm

  This car was purchased new and we now have 117k miles on it and have never done anything to it except the 100k mile tune up. It has been well worth the purchase price and if Ford still made them we would buy another one.

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  Great truck - almost 30mpg a BLAST! - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By deeman - September 6 - 2:39 pm

  With rebates this $19k truck came in around $15k. I worked with the dealer to find a SuperCab - 2WD - 4cylinder automatic. I dont plan to haul a lot but like the capability, and the ability to tow things. The acceleration on this truck is really good, never had too little power. With only 1,900 miles so far, I am getting 27mpg in a mix of highway and city driving and every tank shows a 2mpg improvement. I love this truck.

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  What More Could You Want - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill E. - September 6 - 10:36 am

  Where to start? Looks are unbeatable. Theres a reason the Mustang is the only true Pony car still in production and this is Exhibit A. No doubt it shows what the domestics can do if they put their mind to it. Inside and out its light years ahead of the 2000 model I traded in when purchasing. Power, ride, comfort, and lest I forget that GT rumble coming out of the pipes. A truly great automobile that I hope to own for many years. Mine is a black 5 speed I mean why buy this car with an automatic? Ive had more people stop to comment on it than I can count. Ford youve hit the nail on the head.

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  Pleased with the purchase - 2016 Ford Edge
  By David Monti - September 6 - 6:03 am

  I bought my 2016 Edge SEL last month. I elected to get the 3.5L V6 and really enjoy the acceleration it offers. Im still on my second tank of gas and I am getting 21.7 MPG in a mostly rural setting. I havent had the car out on the highway yet. The ride is good and the drivers seat is quite comfortable. Visibility is good except for the back right side- there is a large blind spot there. The stereo is average; I got sync3 and found it easy to use. Im not crazy about the voice activated commands so I probably wont use them too much. The all season floor mats are a joke. Save your money and buy WeatherTech mats! Option I wish I had-the 2.7L ecoboost! I didnt want to spring the extra cash for the sport version.

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  Freestyle Is In Style! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ed - September 6 - 3:50 am

  I was originally going to purchase a Pacifica, but after test driving the Freestyle, I knew I had to stick with Ford (I was purchasing a replacement for my Windstar). The drive is comfortable, the inside is roomy and you can fit adults in the 3rd row - no problem. Plus the seats fold down with ease. Power is more than sufficient, it could probably benefit from some more horsepower - but no complaints here.

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  2017 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED. - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By leo - September 5 - 4:05 pm

  IF ANY SHOPPER OUT THERE IS LOOKING FOR A REAL HEAVY DUTY SUV, THIS IS IT. HEAVY BUT MOVES LIKE A MUSTANG IT IS SO IMPRESSIVE, DONT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, GO TO YOUR NEAREST FORD DEALER AND DRIVE ONE.